Tampa is starting Wednesday mostly clear and already near 80 degrees, but the quiet opening will not last. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop through the morning and continue into the afternoon, when temperatures climb to about 93 degrees and the heat index may reach 105. It is a classic hot, humid Tampa day with a much wetter edge.
Storms Build As Heat Rises
The chance of rain is around 60% Wednesday, with scattered storms capable of dropping a quarter to a half-inch of rain in a short time. West-southwest winds will run 7 to 13 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph, according to the National Weather Service Tampa Bay.
Thursday brings another round of scattered showers and thunderstorms, a high near 92 degrees and a heat index around 103. Friday looks slightly cooler near 89 degrees, but rain chances remain high at about 70%, so outdoor plans could face repeated interruptions from lightning, downpours and gusty winds.
Wet Pattern Takes Over The Weekend
Saturday and Sunday are shaping up as the soggiest stretch, with highs near 91 and 90 degrees and rain chances around 70% to 80%. Forecasters expect locally heavy rain to become more likely from Thursday through Sunday, with the greatest flooding concern north of Tampa and across the Nature Coast as soils become increasingly saturated.
Rip Current Risk Rises Along Gulf Beaches
A high risk of dangerous rip currents is in effect from Wednesday morning through Friday evening for Pinellas and coastal Hillsborough counties, along with several other Gulf Coast counties. Swimmers should stay near a lifeguard; anyone caught in a rip current should float, avoid swimming against it and move parallel to shore when possible.
Rain May Ease Early Next Week
Monday currently looks a little less stormy, with a high near 92 degrees and a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Tuesday may reach 94 degrees, with storms mainly arriving after 2 p.m., offering a somewhat drier start before the afternoon heat kicks in.
